Tips on getting started in photography!

Last month we celebrated ‘World Photography Day’, and this year we wanted to find a way to help others who are venturing into the world of photography, or thinking about wanting a career in this field.

We had the opportunity to catch up with some amazing photographers in the industry, who were kind enough to provide their best tips and advice for beginners starting out!

Take a look at what they had to say below:

Jane Goodrich is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, podcast host, mentor, and advocate for creative professionals. With a career spanning over two decades and an MBA, Jane’s unique blend of artistry and business acumen has made her a sought-after expert in the photography industry. Noticing a gap in the industry for support and tools for photographers, lead her to create Picsello, a groundbreaking platform designed to empower photographers to manage and grow their businesses with ease.

Jane’s Tips:

• You want to make sure that you love the business side too! for every 1 hour of photoshoot there are 12-13 hours of hidden work (not just culling, editing but the sales, marketing, customer service, planning the shoots etc).
• Remember it is a business, you have costs and more costs will come into play in the future. The camera, the lenses you are using will wear out, the computer too… on average the lifespan is replacing them every 3 years (they might not need replacement but you will want to replace them :P). Calculate your costs to price yourself profitably – use a calculator that can guide you like Picsello’s Smart Profit Calculator as it has everything you need to calculate your prices.
• Remember you can’t do everything so be sure to include in your costing outsourcing things that you aren’t skilled at or isn’t a great use of your time – eg accounting, website design, social media management.
• You can charge sooner than you think – don’t wait to charge. If your work reflects your website or portfolio – your clients know what they are buying. Your time and effort are worthy of being paid.
• Don’t look at what others charge – you have no idea if they are profitable, are amazing at upselling or have a completely different pricing model than you.
• Try to limit who you follow – follow those who inspire you not cause the angst or imposter syndrome. Remember the only photographer you need to be better than is the one you were yesterday.
• Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, it takes a long time to build a business, to establish yourself in your niche in your area. It takes time to learn the seasonality of your business, to learn the ebbs and flows. It takes time to learn what marketing techniques will work for you. It can take upwards of 5 years to get established enough for you to know where you can get your next client from. Hint – don’t quit your day job just yet!

Where you can find Jane:

www.janegoodrich.com

www.janegoodrichphotography.com (coaching and courses for photographers)

www.picsello.com (software to help photographers run their businesses with ease)

‘Focus on Business’ – A podcast show for photographers:

Listen on Apple Podcasts  

Watch on Youtube

Director & Co Founder of TheSiteSale

Nell’s Tips:

While many believe that an expensive camera is essential for starting photography, the truth is you can begin your journey without one. Here are some insights:

1. Teach Yourself Photography: You don’t need formal training. Utilize free resources like YouTube and photography blogs. Practice is key—experiment daily with your camera, even if it’s just your smartphone.
2. Equipment You Need (or Don’t Need): Start with what you have. A smartphone can be a powerful tool. Focus on mastering composition and lighting before investing in a DSLR. When ready, consider a versatile lens like a 50mm prime.
3. Resources to Help Get Started: Join online photography communities for feedback and inspiration. Websites like Unsplash and Flickr can help you understand different styles and find your voice.
4. Additional Tips: Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. Set personal projects to challenge yourself and develop your unique style. Remember, photography is about storytelling as much as technique.

Where to find Nell:

Twitter, LinkedIn and Headshot

Kaz Marzo is the Operations Manager at Image Acquire. Kaz really loves telling stories through pictures and knows a lot about photography. At Image Acquire, Kaz leads a team serving photography enthusiasts and professionals. Kaz keeps up with the latest photography trends and techniques. This helps Image Acquire become the go-to place for photographers.

Kaz’s Tips:

Many beginners think they need expensive gear to start photography, but nope, that’s not true.

You can begin with your smartphone—yes, just your phone! Focus on learning the basics like composition, lighting, and telling a story through your photos. Invest in knowledge before gear. Free online resources and practice are your best teachers.

For those serious about diving deeper, check out our guide on becoming a photographer at Image Acquire. The key is to learn by doing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—those are your best lessons. Skip the expensive camera for now; what matters most is your vision and creativity.

This approach keeps photography accessible and ensures you develop essential skills before splurging on equipment.

Where to find Kaz:

Site: https://image-acquire.com/

Headshot: https://imgur.com/a/2f6S7Dh

Email: kaz@image-acquire.com

If our versatile studios sound like they fit the bill for your next project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team, call us on 0203 411 9665, or book your space.

Alongside photo and video shoots, we host all sorts of events and creative projects. So, no matter what you want to create in our space, we’re ready to help you make it happen!